Smothered Okra Base For Okra Gumbo Or A Simple Side Dish - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs fresh okra, washed, de-stemmed, sliced (frozen can be substituted)
3 large onions, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 (16 ounce) cans tomatoes with juice (whole, chopped, or crushed)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water, can substitute chicken broth
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup celery (optional)
1 lb ham seasoning, small diced
salt
pepper

Preparation

In a large roasting pot, layer alternately the okra, onions, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, oil, garlic, celery, ham seasoning, water or broth, salt and pepper.
Cover pot tightly and place in 425\u00b0F oven.
Cook 30 minutes, stir and reduce heat to 350 degrees.
Cover and cook 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
When the stringing of the okra ceases, the okra is cooked.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Chill COMPLETELY before packaging and freezing.